AN historic Belfast building, which was the last holding place of Irish republican Henry Joy McCracken before his execution, is to be transformed as part of a £1m redevelopment.
The derelict building, which adjoins McCracken’s Bar in Joy’s Entry off High Street is being refurbished as part of an expansion of the pub, which will create 40 new jobs. McCracken’s has been a licenced premises since 1892, while Joy’s entry and its surrounding alleyways represent some of the oldest remaining parts of Belfast.
The project being brought forward by Belfast entrepreneurs and publicans Mark Beirne and Jim Conlon, will see ‘Henry’s’ replacing the existing bar and the adjoining building becoming the ‘Jailhouse’.
Mr Beirne, who has been involved in the redevelopment and transformation of a number of venues in Belfast over the last 20 years, says the latest project is "without doubt the most exciting".
"Located off High Street, a short walk from the Cathedral Quarter with its quaint entry and historic and striking buildings we see a unique opportunity to breathe new life into one of our City’s most memorable landmarks," he said.
Mr Conlon stressed the rich history of the two buildings will be retained as part of the redevelopment.
“It is incumbent upon us to do justice to the heritage of this venue and we are committed to maintaining the original architectural features while incorporating the vibrancy of 21st century Belfast. ‘Henry’s’ will include traditional snugs and cast-iron columns while the 'Jailhouse' will maintain the original brick walls, beams and windows on every floor."
“As a long established and respected bar, we are looking forward to redeveloping McCracken’s along with the connecting Jailhouse to add an exciting new dimension to the social scene in the heart of Belfast which links the burgeoning and bustling life of the 17th century with a thriving City Centre of the 21st," he added.
In order to facilitate the redevelopment, McCracken’s bar will close this Sunday and reopen in June.
Protestant Henry Joy McCracken was a founding member of the Society of the United Irishmen and died in 1798. McCracken’s Bar is named in honour of Mary Ann McCracken, the sister of Henry Joy, while Joy's Entry is said to mark the route of his final journey to execution at the Market House in nearby Cornmarket.
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